Through Savage Eyes: OpSail 2000

July 12, 2000

by our Indian Guide, Jonas Sanchez

Kerry and I attended the opening day of Op Sail, in New London, CT yesterday, and had a great time despite the killer traffic we experienced on the way in. Also in attendance was the good Captain Mike Fitzgerald (no, he wasn't demoted - we turned out as the King's Rangers), Sergeant Paul Stevens, and Pvt. Chauncey Goodrich. Rangers Doug Lively and Eric Toriello were also present, dressed in fine 20th century civilian attire to help them blend in as they shot video footage of the parade of ships.

With our backs to the wall of Fort Trumbull, and with the pier in front of us, we enjoyed a beautiful day under the dining fly, educating and entertaining the numerous curious passerby. If we charged people for the photos they took of us we'd never need to pay dues. The event provided meager lunch rations at best, but at least they fed us volunteers.

As the H.M.S. Rose passed by to signal the end of the parade, she let off several volleys of her cannon. As good British Loyalists we fired several return volleys with four, double loaded muskets. The crew of the Rose would later come to our camp inquiring as to where our artillery unit was. I guess we can make a big boom!

All in all the day was perfect. The ships were a sight to see, the weather fantastic, and the crowd truly inquisitive. We made it into the local paper the following day with a lot of coverage. The Captain graced a page with his photo. I was told by several people that aside from the tall ships, we were their favorite attraction in the entire event.

Yr most Humbl & Innocent Savage,
Jonas